Manitoba premier demands fully vaccinated caucus by Dec. 15 as criticism mounts against 1 MLA
CBC
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson is insisting all of her MLAs be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for an upcoming vaccination mandate in the legislative building, her office confirms.
"Premier Stefanson expects all members of cabinet and caucus to be fully vaccinated in time for new requirements for access to the Manitoba Legislative Building," which will restrict access to only the fully vaccinated beginning on Dec. 15, the premier's spokesperson said in an email.
"This includes the minister of infrastructure."
The minister in question is Ron Schuler, who has refused to disclose publicly whether he's been vaccinated, stating his personal health information is private.
Anyone who isn't vaccinated by Dec. 15 will be removed from cabinet and caucus, Stefanson said in an interview after question period.
The Progressive Conservative caucus has reported that 34 of its 35 MLAs are fully vaccinated, but wouldn't specify the vaccination status of the remaining elected official, or whether it's been disclosed to the party.
Stefanson faced criticism for not demanding her MLAs be fully vaccinated since her election as PC leader in late October.
On Tuesday, the Opposition New Democrats demanded Schuler be dismissed from cabinet.
Beginning on Dec. 15, the entire legislative building will be barred to the unvaccinated. Everyone entering the building — ranging from MLAs to government staff and visitors — will have to provide proof of vaccination.
The premier's spokesperson said the deadline may be moved up if the "appropriate systems are in place" earlier, in collaboration with the deputy premier, Manitoba Justice and Central Services.
The NDP and Liberals say all their MLAs are fully vaccinated.
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